As music lovers ranging from college kids to A-list celebrities fled to Indio, California for the start of the music festival Coachella this weekend, fans couldn’t wait to see what rapper and Reservoir writer 2 Chainz had in store. With the festival mostly consisting of its traditional rock and alternative artists, it was up to just a handful of rap acts to represent hip-hop, with 2 Chainz at the helm.  According to the Los Angeles Times, the rapper did just that, bringing an element of “charm” to his set that overrode even his tardiness, killing the crowd with hits like “Mercy,” “Beez In The Trap,” and “Bandz A Make Her Dance.”   He then went on to treat the crowd to hits off of his debut certified Gold album Based On A T.R.U.Story, including “I’m Different” and “Birthday Song.

Taking in the sheer size and enthusiasm of onlookers during 2 Chainz’ set, pop culture blog Idolater noted that Coachella’s powers-that-be had “vastly underestimated” Chainz’ popularity in putting him on the side-stage ‘Mojave Tent’ rather than the main stage.  Estimating 2 Chainz’ set to be the first time an artist had actually caused an overflow of fans at one of Coachella’s tents, the blog reflected, “There’s just something undeniably appealing about 2 Chainz…it seems the young kids don’t embrace any MC quite like they embrace 2 Chainz right now…And nobody in rap is more appreciative of the love and having more fun.”